Major test coming for improved Jackson State group

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State appears to have fixed a major weakness.

The Tigers’ defense ranked among the worst in the SWAC as recently as Week 3 after allowing 82 points over the team’s first two games, but the unit heads into Saturday’s 6 p.m. home game against Southern (2-2, 2-0 SWAC) among the best in the conference.

The Tigers (2-3, 2-1) lead the SWAC in yards allowed per rush (3.8) and rushing yards allowed per game (125.2) and are second in yards allowed per game (363.4). They also rank sixth in pass defense (238.2 yards per game) and fifth in scoring defense (34.4 points per game).

“I don’t care where you’re playing defense, whether it’s the SEC or the Big 12 or the SWAC: Stopping the run is of utmost importance,” defensive coordinator John Hendrick said. “If you stop the run, then you take away the play-action aspect of the football game and you make them play, like I say, left-handed.”

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